By Jason Gabak
With social distancing practices in effect, nothing is quite as easy to do as it once was, even the grooming and upkeep of the trees around the DeWitt fire house.
Ann Stevens of the DeWitt Tree Committee said despite some of the challenges, the group was determined to have its annual spring tree tending at the firehouse which took place, with masks and social distancing on May 5.
Stevens said this was done with the approval of the town as well.
The annual spring tending serves two purposes, to educate as well as a way to say thank you to the fire house.
“Since we formed in 2008 we have used a room in the fire house and this is our way of saying thanks to them for letting us use that room,” Stevens said.
With a small group of helpers, all 25 trees were tended to and mulch was placed around each tree in the course of the afternoon.
When it comes to mulch, Stevens said this is one of the most important things the committee strives to share with residents.
The fire house, being a prominent location, Stevens hopes this will help residents see an example of the way she said mulch should be placed around trees.
“The important thing is no mulch volcanoes,” Stevens said.
According to Stevens, while this kind of landscaping where mulch rises up around the base of a tree may look visually pleasing, it is not healthy for the tree.
But she said for some property owners and landscapers the visual appeal of this approach has made it a popular way to mulch around trees.
“It is really death for a tree,” Stevens said.
She encouraged people to look at other examples, pointing to the White House as a prominent one.
She said the way trees around the White House are mulched is the healthiest way for the tree.
At this time due to concerns around the coronavirus there aren’t any plans for more work from the tree committee until a tentative fall planting, but in the interim, Stevens encourages residents to consider the health of their trees and to be mindful of the way they place mulch.
